Handguard system with integral gas tube for gas operated firearms

ABSTRACT

A novel firearm handguard system includes a handguard and an integrated gas tube. In a particular embodiment, the gas tube includes fastening feature and the handguard includes a complementary fastening feature that is adapted to be coupled to the fastening feature of the gas tube. In a more particular embodiment, the gas tube includes an integral mounting rail and the handguard includes an integral mounting rail. In an even more particular embodiment, the gas tube and the handguard each include a feature for configuring removable rail systems thereon.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of copending U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/461,088, filed Jan. 13, 2011 by the same inventor,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to firearms, and more particularly togas operated rifles. Even more particularly, the invention relates to arifle handguard system having an integral gas tube.

2. Description of the Background Art

For several decades, AK (Avtomat Kalashnikov) type rifles such as theAK-47 have remained the most widely used assault rifles. These riflesare well known for their reliability, simple operation, andmanufacturability. However, they were not originally designed with theintent to support optics and/or other tactical accessories such as, forexample, rail mounted flashlights, laser sights, etc. However, their usehas since become much more widespread and it is often desirable to mountoptics and other accessories on the rifle.

Several systems for mounting optics and/or other tactical accessories ongas operated rifles (e.g., AK style rifles) have been developed.Typically, such systems include an upper handguard and lower handguardthat replace the existing original equipment manufacturer (OEM) upperand lower handguards, respectively. In such systems, the replacementupper handguard and/or replacement lower handguard typicallyincorporates some type of rail system such as, for example, picatinnyrails, weaver rails, etc.

Replacing the OEM handguard system in, for example, an AK-47 typicallyinvolves first rotating a gas tube locking lever located on the sightblock so that the rear end of the gas tube can be lifted out from a gastube receiving socket located on the fore-end of the sight block. Oncethe rear end of the gas tube is free, the fore-end is then disconnectedfrom the gas block by pulling the handguard/gas tube assembly away fromthe gas block. Once the upper handguard/gas tube assembly is free, theOEM upper handguard has to be separated from the OEM gas tube. Thisrequires securing the gas tube in place while the upper handguard isrotated 180 degrees about the gas tube. Once rotated, the upperhandguard can be pulled away from the gas tube. Then the replacementupper handguard is mounted on the OEM gas tube in the reverse order ofthat which the OEM upper handguard was removed. Before mounting thereplacement upper handguard/OEM gas tube assembly back on the rifle, theOEM lower handguard is removed from the rifle by first releasing thehandguard retainer lever so that the retainer is free to move along therifle's barrel. Once the retainer is free to move, the OEM lowerhandguard can be pulled away from the receiver. Then, the replacementlower handguard is mounted to the rifle in the reverse order of thatwhich the OEM lower handguard was removed. Finally, the replacementupper handguard/OEM gas tube assembly is mounted to the rifle in thereverse order of that which the OEM upper handguard/OEM gas tubeassembly was removed.

Although such systems provide a means for mounting optics and otheraccessories on such rifles, there are drawbacks. For example, the OEMgas tube has to be used with the replacement handguard system, thusrequiring the removal of the OEM gas tube from the OEM upper handguard.This removal process is well known to be a challenge and oftentimesrequires cutting the OEM upper handguard to remove the OEM gas tube.

Addressing the problems associated with having to harvest the OEM gastube from the OEM upper handguard, many systems eliminate the upperhandguard/gas tube assembly altogether. For example, some handguardsystems employ replacement gas tubes that include rails. In these typesof systems, the gas tube is secured to the top of the rifle barrel viarigid securing members (e.g., brackets, straps, clamps, etc.) that wraparound the outer perimeter of the barrel. For example, U.S. Pat. No.6,381,895, issued to Keeney et al., discloses an AK-47 gas tube thatincludes an integral optic mount 10 and a set of barrel mounting members30. The optic mount 10 is an integral rail formed on top of the gastube. The barrel mounting members 30 are essentially rigid U-shapedstraps fastened to the bottom of the gas tube via a set of screws 39.Mounting members 30 wrap around the barrel so as to secure the gas tubedirectly thereon.

Although the system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,895 eliminates thechallenges associated with having to harvest the OEM gas tube from theupper handguard, there are disadvantages to the design. For example, thesystem introduces additional components thus making field stripping therifle for cleaning a very lengthy process. This is due at least to therequirement to disengage the clamps in order to remove the gas tube fromthe rifle. Another disadvantage is that lower handguards used with thesystem have to be unnecessarily bulky to provide the space occupied bythe mounting members 30. Yet another disadvantage is that the systemrequires a high number of parts. Yet another disadvantage is that thegas tube can reaches high temperatures because it is in direct contactwith the barrel.

What is needed, therefore, is a handguard system that facilitatessimpler assembly and disassembly. What is also needed is a more compacthandguard system. What is also needed is a handguard system thatoperates at a lower temperature. What is also needed is a handguardsystem with fewer parts.

SUMMARY

The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the priorart by providing a firearm handguard system having handguard and anintegral gas tube that mount together.

The firearm handguard system includes a gas tube and a handguard. Thegas tube includes a rear end adapted to engage a gas tube receiversocket of a firearm, a fore-end adapted to engage a gas block of thefirearm, an interior surface defining a piston bore, an exteriorsurface, and a fastening feature. The handguard includes a rear end, afore-end, an exterior surface, and a complementary fastening featureadapted to be coupled to the fastening feature of the gas tube.

In a more particular embodiment, the fastening feature of the gas tubeincludes at least one aperture, the complementary fastening feature ofthe handguard includes at least one aperture, and at least one apertureof the fastening feature is aligned with one aperture of thecomplementary fastening feature. In a more particular embodiment, one ofthe fastening feature and the complementary fastening feature includes athreaded aperture and the other includes a clearance aperture. In aneven more particular embodiment, the fastening feature of the gas tubeincludes at least one clearance aperture and at least one externallythreaded fastener, the complementary fastening feature of the handguardincludes an internally threaded aperture, and the external thread setand the internal thread set are adapted to mate with one another. In yeta more particular embodiment, the exterior surface of the gas tube andthe exterior surface of the handguard are adapted to abut one another.

In another particular embodiment, the fastening feature and thecomplementary fastening feature form a fixed mechanical joint directlybetween the gas tube and the hand guard. In a more particularembodiment, at least one of the fastening feature and the complementaryfastening feature includes a threaded fastener that includes a first endsecured directly to the gas tube and a second end secured directly tothe handguard.

In another particular embodiment, the exterior surface of the gas tubedefines at least one planar side surface, the exterior surface of thehandguard defines at least one planar side surface, and the planar sidesurface of the gas tube is coplanar to the planar side surface of thehandguard. In a more particular embodiment, at least one of the sidesurface of the gas tube and the side surface of the handguard is adaptedto receive a removable mounting platform. In an even more particularembodiment, the surface of the gas tube defines a plurality of threadedapertures adapted for configuring rail systems on the side surface ofthe gas tube. In another more particular embodiment, the side surface ofthe handguard defines a plurality of threaded apertures adapted forconfiguring rail systems on the side surface of the handguard.

In an example embodiment, the exterior surface of the gas tube definesan integral rail system, and the exterior surface of the handguarddefines another integral rail system. In the example embodiment, the gastube is a first single body and the handguard is a second single body.

Optionally, the handguard system further comprises a spring elementseated within the handguard. The spring element has a first end and asecond end. The first end is adapted to retain a cleaning rod disposedwithin the handguard, and the second end is adapted to exert a biasingforce against the exterior surface of a firearm barrel.

In an example embodiment, the gas tube is adapted to mount over a barreland remain spaced apart from the barrel, and the handguard is adapted tomount under the barrel and remain spaced apart from the barrel. In thisexample embodiment, the gas tube and the handguard are adapted to bemounted on opposite sides of the barrel without contacting the barrel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described with reference to the followingdrawings, wherein like reference numbers denote substantially similarelements:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a firearm handguard system mounted on a gasoperated firearm;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the handguard system of FIG. 1assembled;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the handguard system of FIG.1;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a gas tube of the handguard systemof FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the gas tube of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the gas tube of FIG. 5 taken alongline A-A of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a handguard of the handguardsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the handguard of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the handguard of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the handguard shown in FIG. 7 takenalong line B-B of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a spring clip of the handguardsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a front view of the handguard system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the handguard system ofFIG. 1; and

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the handguard system of FIG. 1taken along line C-C of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the priorart, by providing firearm handguard system that includes a gas tube anda lower handguard that are adapted to mount to one another. In thefollowing description, numerous specific details are set forth (e.g.,specific firearm models, rail types, materials, etc) in order to providea thorough understanding of the invention. Those skilled in the art willrecognize, however, that the invention may be practiced apart from thesespecific details. In other instances, details of well known metalmanufacturing practices (e.g., machining, extrusion, etc.) andcomponents have been omitted, so as not to unnecessarily obscure thepresent invention.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a firearm handguard system 100 mounted on agas operated firearm 102 which is depicted by way of example as being anAK-47 assault rifle.

Firearm 102 includes a receiver 104, a barrel 106, a gas block 108, arear site block 110, a lower handguard retainer 112, and a cleaning rod114. Receiver 104 provides the main structure that supports and housesthe working components of firearm 102. Barrel 106 extends from thefore-end 116 of receiver 104. More specifically, the rear end of barrel106 is mounted to a front trunnion (not visible) which is mounted in thefore-end of receiver 104. Gas block 108 is fixed to barrel 106 andcoupled to the fore-end of system 100. Although not visible, gas block108 includes in interior port that routes expanding combustion gassesfrom within barrel 106 to handguard system 100. Rear site block 110 ismounted to barrel 106 and includes a gas tube receiver socket (notvisible) 118 and a gas tube locking lever 120. Socket 118 is located atthe fore-end 122 of rear sight block 110 and is adapted to receive therear end of a gas tube. Lever 120 provides a means forconnecting/disconnecting a gas tube from rear sight block 110. Lever 120is shown in a locked position, wherein handguard system 100 is securedto rear sight block 110. To release handguard system 100 from socket118, lever 120 is rotated to an unlocked position. Lower handguardretainer 112 is slidably coupled to barrel 106 and is adapted to receivethe fore-end of a lower handguard. Retainer 112 includes a lever 124that enables it to be locked to or unlocked from barrel 106. Whenlocked, lever 124 is positioned horizontally as shown and retainer 112is secured to barrel 106. To unlock retainer 112, lever 124 is rotatedclockwise until retainer 112 is free to move along barrel 106.

FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of handguard system 100 removedfrom firearm 102 and assembled. Handguard system 100 includes a gas tube200 and a handguard 202.

Gas tube 200 includes a fastening feature 204, a rear end 206, afore-end 208, an exterior surface 210, and an interior surface 212.Fastening feature 204 facilitates the mounting of gas tube 200 tohandguard 202. Rear end 206 is adapted to engage gas tube receiversocket 118 of firearm 102. Fore-end 208 is adapted to receive gas block108. Interior surface 212 defines a piston bore wherein the expandingcombustion gasses from within barrel 106 are routed via gas block 108.

Handguard 202 includes a complementary fastening feature 214, a rear end216, a fore-end 218, and an exterior surface 220. Complementaryfastening feature 214 is adapted to be coupled to fastening feature 204of gas tube 200. Rear end 216 is adapted to engage the trunnion (notshown) at fore-end 116 of receiver 104. Fore-end 218 is adapted toengage retainer 112.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of handguard system 100 showingadditional features not visible in previous figures. In this particularembodiment, fastening feature 204 includes a set of four threadedfasteners 300 and a respective set of four apertures 302. Each offasteners 300 includes a first end 304 adapted to be secured to gas tube200 and a second end 306 adapted to be secured to handguard 202. In theexample embodiment, each of fasteners 300 is a machine screw, whereinfirst end 304 is a screw head and second end 306 is threaded.Furthermore, each of apertures 302 is a clearance aperture adapted toreceive a respective one of fasteners 300. More specifically, each ofapertures 302 is formed through a respective flange 308 defined byexterior surface 210. Each flange 308 defines a top surface 310 and anopposite bottom surface 312. Top surface 310 of each flange 308 isadapted to abut the underside of a respective machine screw head. Bottomsurfaces 312 are adapted to abut exterior surface 220 of handguard 202.

Complementary fastening feature 214 includes a set of four internallythreaded apertures 314, each of which aligns with a respective one ofapertures 302 of gas tube 200 and is adapted to receive a second end 306of a respective one of threaded fasteners 300. Each of apertures 314 isformed on a respective top surface 316 defined by external surface 214.Further, each top surface 316 is adapted to abut a respective one ofbottom surfaces 312 of flanges 308.

As shown, handguard system 100 further includes two set screws 318 and aspring element 320, both which couple to handguard 202. Set screws 318thread into a complementary set of threaded apertures 322 formed throughhandguard 202. Set screws 318 facilitate stabilizing and furthersecuring handguard 202 to firearm 102. That is, when handguard 202 iscoupled to firearm 102, set screws 318 are threaded into apertures 322and tightened thereby clamping to the trunnion (not shown) mountedwithin fore-end 116 of receiver 104. Spring element 320 seats withinhandguard 202 and further stabilizes handguard 202 by providing anupward biasing force onto the bottom exterior surface of barrel 106.Spring element 320 facilitates the correct placement and retention ofcleaning rod 114 when it is inserted into handguard 202 from fore-end218.

FIG. 4 shows a front perspective view of gas tube 200. In thisparticular embodiment, exterior surface of gas tube 200 defines a topregion 400, two side regions 402, and a bottom region 404. Top region400 defines an integral rail 406 that facilitates the mounting of opticsand/or other accessories onto gas tube 200. In this example, rail 406 isa picatinny rail, which is well known in the art.

Each side region 402 defines a planar surface 408, a set of vent holes410, and two of the four flanges 308. Planar surface 408 defines aplurality of threaded apertures 412 arranged longitudinally atpredetermined distances so as to facilitate the mounting of modular siderails. For example, various length modular rails (not shown) can beattached to side regions 402 of gas tube 200 in various configurationsaccording to the shooters preference. If so desired by the user, themodular side rails can be removed altogether and set screws can beinserted into apertures 412 to protect the threads. Vent holes 410 arelocated near fore-end 208 and extend through the interior surface 212 soas to allow the expulsion of gas that forces the piston rearward duringa shot.

Bottom region 404 defines a low profile flat surface 414 that providesclearance above barrel 106. It is important to recognize that gas tube200 does not mount directly on barrel 106, as is does in the prior art.This provides many advantages including eliminating direct heatconduction between barrel 106 and gas tube 200.

FIG. 5 is a top view of gas tube 200 showing details not visible inprevious figures. As previously described, rail 406 is a picatinny railintegrally formed as part of gas tube 200. Rail 406 includes a pluralityof slots 500 and a fore-end 502. Every other one of slots includes areference number that facilitates the quick placement of opticsand/other tactical accessories. Fore-end 502 includes a surface 504 thatis chamfered using a custom revolve cutaway that is complementary inappearance to commonly used gas blocks on AK type rifles. Rear end 206of gas tube 200 defines opposing flat sides 506 that engage opposinginterior wall surfaces of socket 118.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of gas tube 200 taken along line A-Aof FIG. 5. Rear end 206 of gas tube 200 includes a downward extendinglip 600 and a slot 602 that facilitate the retention of rear end 206 insocket 118. That is, when rear end 206 is seated in socket 118, lip 600prevents horizontal relative motion between gas tube 200 and rear sightblock 110. Slot 602 is adapted to engage a locking pin (not shown)controlled by lever 120. When lever 120 is in the unlocked position, thelocking pin is disengaged from slot 602 thereby permitting rear end tobe lifted upward and removed from socket 118. In contrast, when lever120 is in the locked position, the locking pin engages slot 602, therebypreventing vertical motion.

Interior surface 212 defines a gas block receiving surface 604 and apiston guide feature 606. Surface 604 is adapted to seat around theexterior surface of the outlet of gas block 108. Piston guide feature606 is a 6-point star shaped bore defined by six channels 608 extendingalong interior surface 212. Channels 608 allow excess gas to dispersearound the piston (not shown) during operation. Feature 606 is counterbored with a draft angle that allows the piston to travel through bothdirections unobstructed.

FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of handguard 202. In thisparticular embodiment, rear end 216 defines a set of rectangular bosses700 that mate against a block (not shown) located inside of the receiverof certain rifles. Fore-end 218 defines a U-shaped boss 702 that iscontoured to seat within handguard retainer 112 of firearm 102.

Exterior surface 220 defines a top region 704, two side regions 706, abottom region 708, and an inner region 710. Top region 704 is adapted toengage gas tube 200 and defines complementary fastening features 314.

Each side region 706 defines a planar surface 712, and a plurality ofvent cutouts 714. Planar surface 712 defines a plurality of threadedapertures 716 in addition to previously discussed threaded aperture 322of FIG. 3. Threaded apertures 716 are arranged longitudinally atpredetermined distances so as to facilitate the mounting of modular siderails. For example, various length modular rails (not shown) can beattached to side regions 706 of handguard 202 in various configurationsaccording to the shooters preference. If so desired by the user, themodular side rails can be removed altogether and set screws can beinserted into apertures 716 to protect the threads. Vent cutouts 714enable the heat generated by barrel 106 to dissipate while alsoeliminating unnecessary weight from handguard system 100.

Bottom region 708 defines an integral rail 718 that facilitates themounting of optics and/or other accessories thereon. In this example,rail 718 is also a picatinny rail similar to integral rail 406 of gastube 200.

Inner region 710 defines a main U-shaped channel 720 and a lowerU-shaped channel 722. Channel 720 is adapted to receive barrel 106 andpart of spring element 320. Channel 722 is adapted to receive cleaningrod 114 and part of spring element 320.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of handguard 202 showing details not visible inprevious figures. Like rail 406 of gas tube 200, rail 714 includes aplurality of slots 800. Every other one of slots 800 includes areference number that facilitates the quick and proper placement oftactical accessories.

FIG. 9 shows a top view of handguard 202, and FIG. 10 shows across-sectional view of handguard 202 taken along line B-B of FIG. 8. Asshown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, inner region 710 defines a cut away 900 anda keyway 902. Cut away 900 is formed in channel 720 near rear end 216 soas to accommodate for the extra width of front trunnions attached to thebarrel on certain rifles. Both the height and width of channel 720 areincreased at cut away 900. Keyway 902 is a thin set of channels adaptedto receive spring clip 320. Further, each channel is cut on an angle soas to intersect the walls of inner region 710 on each side.

FIG. 11 shows a front perspective view of spring clip 320 which, forexample, is formed from a flat rectangular shaped piece of steel that islongitudinally formed to a certain radius. The radius is sufficient toprovide a firm fit when inserted into the keyway 902. Spring clip 320includes two opposing side edges 1100, a rear end 1102, and a fore-end1104. When spring clip 320 is inserted into keyway 902, each of edges1100 is firmly engaged by a respective side channel of keyway 902. Rearend 1102 defines an elbow 1106 that is adapted to engage cleaning rod114. Fore-end 1104 is adapted to engage the bottom of barrel 106.Optionally, a radius can be added to fore-end 1104, to preventscratching the exterior surface of the barrel 106.

FIG. 12 shows a front view of handguard system 100 assembled. As shown,elbow 1106 protrudes into lower channel 722 such that when cleaning rod114 is inserted, elbow 1106 forces it into its correct position andretains it. Fore-end 1104 of spring clip 320 has a length sufficient toextend into channel 720 such that it is urged downward by barrel 106when handguard system 100 is mounted to firearm 102. In response tobeing deflected downward, fore-end 1104 maintains a constant upwardspring force on the bottom of barrel 106 thereby providing stability. Itshould be noted that although spring clip 320 contacts barrel 106, gastube 200 and handguard 202 do not. It should also be noted that gas tube200 and handguard 202 have the same width thus giving handguard system100 a compact profile.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of handguard system 100and FIG. 14 shows a side cross-sectional view of handguard system 100taken along line C-C of FIG. 12. It should be recognized that in theexample illustrations of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, spring clip 320 is notshown sectioned. Spring clip 320 is shown seated in handguard 202wherein one of edges 1100 is inserted into a respective one of two sidechannels of keyway 902.

The assembly of handguard system 100 is described with reference toFIGS. 1-13. Fore-end 1104 of spring clip 320 is inserted into the keyway902. Rear end 216 of handguard 202 is coupled to fore-end 116 ofreceiver 104 and raised up parallel to barrel 106. Handguard retainer112 is slid over U-shaped boss 702, and lever 124 is then locked. Next,fore-end 208 of gas tube 200 is inserted over the outer diameter of gasblock 108. Then, rear end 206 of gas tube 200 is lowered into socket118, lever 120 is moved into the locked position. Finally, gas tube 200is attached to handguard 202 via fasteners 300, and set screws 318 aretightened against the front trunnion (not shown) of firearm 100.

The description of particular embodiments of the present invention isnow complete. Many of the described features may be substituted, alteredor omitted without departing from the scope of the invention. Forexample, alternate firearm models (e.g., AK-74), may be substituted forthe AK-47 firearm 100. As another example, other rail systems (e.g.,weaver rail), may be substituted for the picatinny rail systems 406 and718. These and other deviations from the particular embodiments shownwill be apparent to those skilled in the art, particularly in view ofthe foregoing disclosure.

1. A firearm handguard system comprising: a gas tube having a rear endadapted to engage a gas tube receiver socket, a fore-end adapted toengage a gas block, an interior surface defining a piston bore, anexterior surface, and a fastening feature; and a handguard having a rearend adapted to engage the firearm, a fore-end adapted to engage thefirearm, an exterior surface, and a complementary fastening featureadapted to be coupled to said fastening feature.
 2. A firearm handguardsystem according to claim 1, wherein said fastening feature of said gastube includes at least one aperture; said complementary fasteningfeature of said handguard includes at least one aperture; and said atleast one aperture of said fastening feature is aligned with said atleast one aperture of said complementary fastening feature.
 3. A firearmhandguard system according to claim 2, wherein one of said at least oneaperture of said fastening feature and said at least one aperture ofsaid complementary fastening feature is threaded, the other of said atleast one aperture of said fastening feature and said at least oneaperture of said complementary fastening feature is a clearanceaperture.
 4. A firearm handguard system according to claim 3, whereinsaid at least one aperture of said fastening feature of said gas tube isa clearance aperture; said fastening feature of said gas tube furtherincludes at least one threaded fastener, said at least one threadedfastener being adapted to pass through said at least one clearanceaperture, said at least one fastener defining an external thread set;and said at least one aperture of said complementary fastening featureof said handguard is a threaded aperture defining a complementaryinternal thread set, said complementary internal thread set beingadapted to mate with said external thread set of said fastener.
 5. Afirearm handguard system according to claim 4, wherein said exteriorsurface of said gas tube and said exterior surface of said handguard areadapted to abut one another.
 6. A firearm handguard system according toclaim 1, wherein said fastening feature and said complementary fasteningfeature form a fixed mechanical joint directly between said gas tube andsaid hand guard.
 7. A firearm handguard system according to claim 6,wherein at least one of said fastening feature and said complementaryfastening feature includes a threaded fastener, said threaded fastenerhaving a first end and an opposite second end, said first end of saidthreaded fastener being secured directly to said gas tube and saidsecond end of said threaded fastener being secured directly to saidhandguard.
 8. A firearm handguard system according to claim 1, wherein:said exterior surface of said gas tube defines at least one planar sidesurface; and said exterior surface of said handguard defines at leastone planar side surface, said at least one planar side surface of saidgas tube and said at least one planar side surface of said handguardbeing coplanar.
 9. A firearm handguard system according to claim 8,wherein at least one of said side surface of said gas tube and said sidesurface of said handguard is adapted to receive a removable mountingplatform.
 10. A firearm handguard system according to claim 9, whereinsaid side surface of said gas tube defines a plurality of threadedapertures adapted for configuring rail systems on said side surface ofsaid gas tube.
 11. A firearm handguard system according to claim 9,wherein said side surface of said handguard defines a plurality ofthreaded apertures adapted for configuring rail systems on said sidesurface of said handguard.
 12. A firearm handguard system according toclaim 11, wherein said side surface of said gas tube defines a pluralityof threaded apertures adapted for configuring rail systems on said sidesurface of said gas tube.
 13. A firearm handguard system according toclaim 1, wherein said exterior surface of said gas tube defines anintegral rail system.
 14. A firearm handguard system according to claim1, wherein said exterior surface of said handguard defines an integralrail system.
 15. A firearm handguard system according to claim 1,wherein said gas tube is a first single body and said handguard is asecond single body.
 16. A firearm handguard system according to claim 1,further comprising a spring element seated within said handguard system,said spring element having a first end adapted to retain a cleaning roddisposed within said handguard and a second end adapted to exert abiasing force on the exterior surface of a firearm barrel.
 17. A firearmhandguard system according to claim 1, wherein said gas tube is adaptedto mount over a barrel and remain spaced apart from said barrel.
 18. Afirearm handguard system according to claim 17, wherein said handguardis adapted to mount under a barrel and remain spaced apart from saidbarrel.
 19. A firearm handguard system according to claim 1, whereinsaid gas tube and said handguard are adapted to be mounted on oppositesides of a barrel without contacting said barrel.
 20. A firearmhandguard system according to claim 1, wherein: said exterior surface ofsaid gas tube and said exterior surface of said handguard are adapted toabut one another; said gas tube is a first single body and saidhandguard is a second single body; first single body defines a railsystem; said second single body defines a rail system; and said gas tubeand said handguard are adapted to be mounted on opposite sides of abarrel without contacting said barrel.
 21. A gas-operated firearmcomprising: a receiver; a barrel coupled to said receiver, a retainercoupled to said barrel; a gas tube receiver socket; a gas block; a gastube having a rear end adapted to engage said gas tube receiver socket,a fore-end adapted to engage said gas block, an interior surfacedefining a piston bore, an exterior surface, and a fastening feature;and a handguard having a rear end adapted to engage said receiver, afore-end adapted to engage said retainer, an interior surface, anexterior surface, and a complementary fastening feature adapted to becoupled to said fastening feature of said gas tube.
 22. A firearmaccording to claim 21, wherein: exterior surface of said gas tube andsaid exterior surface of said handguard are adapted to abut one another;said gas tube is a first single body and said handguard is a secondsingle body; first single body defines a rail system; said second singlebody defines a rail system; and said gas tube and said handguard areadapted to be mounted on opposite sides of a barrel without contactingsaid barrel.
 23. A firearm handguard system comprising: a gas tubehaving a rear end adapted to engage a gas tube receiver socket, afore-end adapted to engage a gas block, an interior surface defining apiston bore, and an exterior surface; and a handguard having a rear end,a fore-end, and an exterior surface, and means for fastening said gastube to said handguard.